OliWorks Razors

I was fortunate to receive an Oliblade razor at no cost from OliWorks. In return for Jorge’s generous offer, I committed to provide my honest thoughts on the razor. Although the original thread has been closed, I am compelled to fulfill my end of the offer to supply my assessment.

Out of the box: Excellent, professional packaging; magnetic top flap a nice touch. First inspection shows a high quality razor, well built. Finish on visible parts similar to my as-machined razors; perfectly acceptable to me. Marks on inside of top cap are of no concern to me.

Blade gap and alignment: I used a feeler gauge set and found the gap is consistent and even on both sides through the range of settings (at least up to 0.80 mm, the highest in my gauge set)

The baseplate has a scalloped edge and a straight bar edge. The blade gap measured the same as posted on OliWorks website at the lowest setting (0.25 mm). Setting 3 gap measured 0.33 mm. I flipped the top cap and the blade a few times and got the same results no matter how they were assembled. During my initial shave, I paid particular attention to which side was which, and could not even subconsciously detect a difference in feel or performance.

The shave:
I used a Feather blade from the tuck provided by OliWorks (another nice touch).
WTG pass on setting 1 was ultra smooth with no blade feel with little stubble removal.
ATG pass at setting 3 gave much better efficiency, still smooth, with a touch of blade feel.
ATG pass on 6 increased the blade feel, and left me with an excellent shave. I experienced no cuts, weepers, or irritation at all.

I continued to use the Oliblade for the next 4 days. 3.5 is the sweet spot for my face, 6 for the dome. This is very close to a 2 pass razor for me, which puts it in my top tier. Only light touch ups were required after two passes. The razor is very smooth and more agile than the bulky Merkur Progress head. I have purchased and sold multiple Gibbs clones, finding that they just do not agree with my skin needs.  The Oliblade has a different feel than the other Gibbs clones I have used.

Thank you Jorge OliWorks for allowing me to experience your excellent razor.

A very nice review, Eric. I tried the Heritage Shave Collection clone (I think) and found it a little bitey for my childlike face (kidding about my face, but not about the razor). Your description of the Oliblade version, along with the photos I have seen, have piqued my interest. (Or it is just the Fear Of Missing Out setting in!)

I have tried four Gibbs-type razors: Taiga, Rex, Heritage, and Oliworks. I also shaved with Oliblade razor with #6 setting, and it was still comfortable.

Oliblade combines the shaving comfort of Taiga, the handle aesthetics of Rex, and a price point closer to Heritage compared to other US-made CNC razors.

Additionally, they have new colored gear options:

Question - would you get the scalloped (hybrid) or the double straight bar configuration?

Does anyone notice a difference with the scalloped side?

I can say I have a few razors where I noticed a difference but not many.

Question - would you get the scalloped (hybrid) or the double straight bar configuration?

Does anyone notice a difference with the scalloped side?

I can say I have a few razors where I noticed a difference but not many.

It's not menacing but I feel a slight difference. Something to consider if you prefer milder razors. Still as efficient I felt with either bar.

Question - would you get the scalloped (hybrid) or the double straight bar configuration?

Does anyone notice a difference with the scalloped side?

I can say I have a few razors where I noticed a difference but not many.

To me, the smooth safety bar is much more comfortable.  But I have to use the scalloped safety bar along my jaw line where the whiskers are tough and dense; the smooth bar just won't do the job there for me.

I think their site is down.

https://oliworks.shop/ is working for me.

Just pulled up for me too...

I have been using this razor for the majority of my shaves since I received it.  I find it extremely well built and balanced.  From settings 1-3 it plows through my 1-2 days growth with no blade feel.  It is extremely comfortable and a real surprise at how efficient it is.  From setting 3.5 to 5, the efficiency increases without sacrificing comfort.  There is a bit more blade feel at these levels but nothing to worry about.  For me, the real surprise was when I started on level 6.5 for the WTG pass.  The efficiency was obviously there and there was more blade feel, but it was extremely smooth.  That said, I didn't want to tempt fate and dropped the setting down to 4 for the XTG and 3 for the ATG passes.  The experience was a pleasure and this has now become my favorite adjustable, and I own the Konsul.  I look forward to more products from this company.